Yep, it's real. Nissan just unveiled the 2011 Murano CrossCabriolet on its Facebook page. Incredibly, it's not nearly as much of a horror show as we'd feared. The transition to two-door form isn't so bad at all, and we're pleased to see that there's no Golf Cabrio-style basket handle. Still... weird. But hey, props to Nissan for having the guts to do some different things lately. First the Juke, now this.

In the photo caption, Nissan says the ragtop Murano "delivers the open-air exhilaration of a convertible while
extending the versatility of the Murano in exciting new ways." Okay. Apparently, there's room for golf bags with the top up or down, too. This'll be interesting to see in greater detail, which we'll be doing this week in person at the Los Angeles Auto Show. Stay tuned...

The same thing that a regular Murano would be used for except it has a convertible option? just a hunch.

Interesting concept, I like it

Not a concept.

It's for real. It's a production model.

If you're looking for a convertible that has plenty of space for four people (have you seen the backseats of most convertibles lately?!?) AND cargo, it does the job. But since it lacks the sportiness of a canyon cutter, I doubt that this niche vehicle is gonna sell in mass quantities...

The same thing that a regular Murano would be used for except it has a convertible option? just a hunch.

Interesting concept, I like it

Right... that makes sense...

You are comparing an SUV with actual cargo capacity, a roof you can mount a rack onto, and the convenience of moving people since it has 4 doors to a 2 door, no cargo, no sport piece of metal with wheels.

Two problems:
1) The answer to a question no one asked. The looks won't be the problem. It's role and usage will be.

2) Can you say teenage-cheerleading-rollover-nightmare?

It's clear what Nissan is doing here. They already have a full lineup of products that "answers all the questions everyone asks". That is not the point of this vehicle. Obviously they are trying to create a new niche of products which separates them from Toyota, Honda, and the rest. There is nothing wrong with that. Clearly, they are not going to sell 20,000 of these per month. That is not the objective with this kind of product. But for those who have unusual taste and are looking for something a bit different, models like this and the Juke, Leaf, etc, answers the questions that THOSE buyers ask.

For a brand like Acura to offer a niche product like this (**cough cough ZDX cough cough**), it would be a joke (as they do not currently have a full product lineup). But why does Nissan or any full line automaker have to always play it safe and stick with the status quo of socially acceptable vehicles?